Teaching Assistant

Purpose

Help children participate in learning and develop independence under the direction of qualified teachers.

Reporting line

Teacher with oversight from the Deputy Head Teacher

Working arrangements

Education timetable confirmed before appointment; teaching assistants do not replace qualified teaching or clinical staff.

England; specific location and weekly hours confirmed before appointment. Maximum eight-hour shifts include one hour of paid uninterrupted break with competent cover.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare accessible learning materials and safe teaching spaces.
• Support individual and small-group activities planned by the teacher.
• Use agreed communication and emotional-regulation strategies.
• Record observations and share them with the teacher factually.
• Encourage independence rather than completing work for the child.
• Support trips and enrichment activities under approved risk plans.
• Maintain professional boundaries and report welfare concerns immediately.
• Assist with transitions between education, care and community activities.

Experience

Relevant experience supporting children's learning or equivalent demonstrable competence; no numerical minimum is specified.

Qualifications and registration

Relevant learning-support qualification or equivalent experience; willingness to complete safeguarding, SEND and role-specific induction.

Essential capabilities

• Patient, clear communication and reliable teamwork.
• Ability to follow individual learning and behaviour-support plans.
• Respect for children's privacy, identities and dignity.
• Good practical organisation and accurate observations.

Desirable experience

Experience with SEND, literacy or numeracy support and creative activities.

What good performance looks like

Children can access learning with appropriate support and growing confidence.

Benefits and safer recruitment

All employee benefits and recruitment standards apply, including 32 days holiday plus bank holidays, 8% employer pension, family medical and dental cover subject to insurer terms, and the clean driving licence criterion with reasonable adjustments where required. Required vetting is completed before a final contract.

Apply for AL22

Email hr@astha.org quoting this reference. HR will discuss the location, hours, secure application route and adjustments.